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he Annulment Process
he Annulment Process
Myth Two
Myth Three
Myth Four
Myth Five
Myth Six
Myth Seven
Myth Eigth
Myth Nine
Myth Ten

Myth No. 3:
"Annulments can be bought"

Time and money are relentlessly present to legal process. Like the ugly stepsisters, disproportionately proportioned and jealous of rivals, they devour an attention, which can, and often does, leave plaintiffs as neglected and penniless as Cinderella. Their role seems particularly cruel in an annulment process if they seem to cast undue burdens on the beleaguered victim.

Whatever legends circulate on the sidewalks of New York or in the readers' columns of the city's tabloids, no resident of the Brooklyn diocese who undertakes annulment proceedings here is expected to pay all the expenses. What costs does the Tribunal actually incur? Cases average about fifteen hundred dollars. The Brooklyn diocese, embracing the populace of Kings and Queens counties, has for years held the petitioner's portion to roughly two thirds of the cost. Since the diocesan bishop, by canon law, must maintain a working tribunal, the diocese picks up the balance.

The annulment process cannot lawfully be denied to someone simply because he or she cannot afford it. In the Brooklyn diocese, any petitioner is free to discuss his or her financial situation confidentially at any stage of the process. Payments may be in installments. Financial accommodation is available commensurate with a person's financial circumstances, as disclosed and documented, much like on a college loan application. No hidden charges are added to the amount agreed upon.

Annulments are not for sale. No one is treated more or less fairly based on who they are or what they can afford to pay, for payment secures only the process, not a favored or scheduled outcome. Myths about annulments "bought" or expedited for exorbitant fees deserve to be retired, if only because they may discourage those most in need of the process.